2005 Kitesurf Week Windsurfing Guide Service Kitesurfing Guide Service Kitesurfing Instruction More Info Contact Mark Main Page
	Gorge Wind Guide Service
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	Click here for Intermediate Kitesurfing Instruction Kitesurfing Instruction : Kite Handling - Relaunching - Body Dragging - Waterstarting The strong winds of the gorge require a conservative approach. Safety is the number one priority and moving inexperienced kitesurfers onto big kites too soon is dangerous. We will spend as much or as little time as necessary on each kite to make you comfortable and competent before moving on to a larger kite. Most students should plan on 3 to 5 hours each for land training, relaunching, body dragging and waterstarting, however some people learn faster and bring experience from other sports and cover all four lessons in 8 hours. You should be ready to purchase a kite and board and head out on your own in lighter winds at the end of the four beginner kitesurfing lessons, usually between 12 and 20 hours total. Kite Handling To start off a first time flier we will go over the terms we use to describe the kite and its relationship to the wind. We will cover all the safety rules and discuss potential dangers. I will fly a small kite to show you how the kite moves through and reacts to the wind. As you learn to fly the small kite in control we will start working on maneuvers and then on landing and launching the kite. After you master the small kite we will move up to a medium sized kite, learning the feel of the power and a strong body position. You will need to be so comfortable with the kite and harness that you can fly it one-handed while concentrating on other things. Your instincts must be trained to react without thinking to keep the kite in the correct location. Time spent here greatly reduces the chance of damage or injury as well as reducing the "terror factor" of the sport. Relaunching Relaunching the kite from the water is a critical skill that takes some practice. We will work in shallow water and carefully go through each of the steps involved. In each step I will demonstrate and explain the techniques so that you understand what you are trying to do. We will do exercises that help you get the feel of the relaunch and then I will coach you as you practice relaunching the kite. Body Dragging We will start with a discussion about the water and wind and how to have fun and stay away from trouble. I will help you learn to evaluate the wind conditions and recognize potential dangers. We will discuss body position and anticipated downwind course as well as the landing procedure. We will launch a kite in shallow water and practice controlling the kite. Once things are well under control, you will move into deep water and body drag behind the kite. Body dragging allows you to experience the full power of the kite and see how it reacts to your movement. Waterstarting We will start with a discussion/demonstration of body position and various moves you can make with the kite which will allow you to keep it in the desired portion of the sky efficiently. Next we will cover the relationship between the board, the kite, and the water. This leads naturally to showing you how to get on the board. We will practice the start in shallow water and practice the control and balance needed to hold the board in position as you increase the power. After a few hints on controlling your speed and limiting your air time you will move to deeper water and learn to balance over the board as you come out of the water and accelerate. We will practice water starting in both directions until you are proficient. Intermediate Kitesurfing Instruction Kitesurfing Reservation Gorge Wind Guide Service - Main Page

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